Coconut Pineapple Cupcakes

Featured in Sweet Treats to Satisfy Any Craving.

Moist cupcakes inspired by piña colada, with a juicy pineapple filling and a vibrant blackberry topping. Perfectly tropical and sweet.

Barbara Chef
Updated on Tue, 08 Apr 2025 01:25:18 GMT
A close view of fluffy lemon cupcakes topped with rich purple frosting and fresh blackberries, sitting on a wire rack with a lemon nearby. Pin it
A close view of fluffy lemon cupcakes topped with rich purple frosting and fresh blackberries, sitting on a wire rack with a lemon nearby. | cookwithcarla.com

Sunshine-filled Coconut Pineapple Cupcakes topped with Blackberry Buttercream came to life after I enjoyed a tropical cocktail one warm evening. I wondered how those beach-worthy flavors would work in a sweet treat. The mix of island tastes with juicy berries turned out so incredible that these little cakes won our community's bake-off. They've become the dessert everyone asks for when summer rolls around.

Delightful Summer Charm

The magic happens when island-inspired ingredients meet dark berries in these little cakes. Every mouthful reminds you of seaside getaways but with that surprising berry kick that gets people grinning. My pals were shocked at how beautifully blackberries complemented the traditional coconut-pineapple combo, making these treats one-of-a-kind.

From My Oven to Yours

  • Good Flour: 2 cups double-sifted gives that airy tender texture we want.
  • Juicy Pineapple: ½ cup just-squeezed juice adds that vacation vibe.
  • Rich Coconut: ½ cup whole fat milk delivers the deepest taste.
  • Quality Rum: 2 tablespoons if you fancy it for that grown-up touch.
  • Dark Sugar: ¾ cup pressed down brings caramel-like sweetness.
  • Fresh Berries: 1 cup blackberries at peak ripeness.
  • Soft Cheese: 8 ounces room temp for that dreamy topping.
Three cupcakes with purple frosting topped with blackberries are arranged on a black wire rack with lemon slices nearby. Pin it
Three cupcakes with purple frosting topped with blackberries are arranged on a black wire rack with lemon slices nearby. | cookwithcarla.com

Crafting Cupcake Wonders

Fluffy Foundation
Warm the oven to 350°F whip butter and sugar till fluffy as clouds. Mix in eggs pineapple coconut and watch the batter transform.
Gentle Touch
Combine dry stuff lightly fold into wet mixture just until they meet keeps everything super soft.
Warm Magic
Put batter in paper liners bake until your home smells amazing roughly 20 minutes.
Purple Wonder
Whip cheese butter sugar until smooth. Add fresh berries creates that gorgeous violet topping.
Finishing Flourish
Pipe frosting onto cool cakes sprinkle with coconut pineapple bits berries makes them truly pop.

Complete Summer Bliss

Each part plays its role in these tiny cakes. The soft coconut base dissolves into that rich berry topping while subtle rum notes take you straight to sandy shores. My house fills with the most amazing tropical smells during baking making everyone long for beach days.

Blue Ribbon Favorite

Grabbing that top spot in our local baking showdown proved how extraordinary these treats really are. What started as drink-inspired daydreaming turned into something totally unique. Seeing those judges' smiles with their first bite was so rewarding showing that sometimes the best treats come when you follow inspiration.

Playful Kitchen Ideas

I often swap in different berries for new looks and tastes. A bit more coconut or some lime zest brings fresh dimensions. Adding rum-soaked cake makes grown-up versions perfect for backyard parties showing how flexible this basic idea can be.

Saving Sweet Moments

They're tastiest day-of when the frosting still looks perfect. Store any leftovers in a covered container in your fridge let them warm up before eating. When I take them to gatherings I bring the frosting separately and decorate on-site so they look their absolute best.

A close-up of decorated cupcakes with purple frosting and blackberries on top, presented on a cooling rack next to lemon slices. Pin it
A close-up of decorated cupcakes with purple frosting and blackberries on top, presented on a cooling rack next to lemon slices. | cookwithcarla.com

Frequently Asked Questions

→ How far in advance can I bake these?

The cupcakes and filling can be prepped 2 days early. Assemble and frost on the serving day for the best taste.

→ Why remove pineapple juice?

The juice adds flavor and moisture to the batter, but draining it stops the filling from turning soggy.

→ Is it okay to use actual rum instead?

You can swap the rum extract for 1 tablespoon of dark rum. The taste will be subtler but still delicious.

→ Why chop up the coconut flakes?

Smaller pieces are easier to work with when sprinkling or eating. Big flakes can make things messy!

→ Can frozen berries replace fresh ones?

Fresh berries give brighter color and flavor for the frosting. If using frozen, make sure they’re thawed and drained well.

Conclusion

These fluffy cupcakes combine coconut, pineapple, and blackberry frosting for the ultimate tropical dessert. Great for summer events or casual indulging.

Coconut Pineapple Cupcakes

Soft coconut cupcakes with pineapple filling and fruity blackberry frosting. Brings tropical vibes to the table.

Prep Time
45 Minutes
Cook Time
15 Minutes
Total Time
60 Minutes

Category: Desserts

Difficulty: Difficult

Cuisine: American

Yield: 18 Servings (18 cupcakes)

Dietary: Vegetarian

Ingredients

01 1 1/2 cups regular flour.
02 2 large eggs.
03 3/4 cup packed dark sugar.
04 1/4 cup white sugar.
05 1/3 cup thick coconut milk.
06 1/3 cup juice from pineapple.
07 1/2 teaspoon regular salt.
08 1/2 cup butter, room temp.
09 1 1/2 teaspoons extract of coconut.
10 1 1/2 teaspoons baking soda.
11 20 oz crushed pineapple from a can.
12 1 tablespoon cornstarch for thickening.
13 2 tablespoons packed dark sugar.
14 1/2 teaspoon rum flavoring.
15 4-4.5 cups powdered sugar for frosting.
16 1 cup room-temperature butter for frosting.
17 2-3 tablespoons jelly made from blackberries.
18 1 teaspoon fresh lemon juice.
19 Coconut shavings to sprinkle on top.
20 1 cup fresh blackberries, washed.

Instructions

Step 01

Chop up the coconut flakes until fine.

Step 02

Combine pineapple mixture and cook until it's thick.

Step 03

Puree blackberries, then strain out the seeds.

Step 04

First, mix butter with sugars. Next, add liquids, then stir in dry stuff.

Step 05

Spoon into cupcake molds and bake for 14-15 minutes at 375°F.

Step 06

Whip butter, powdered sugar, and blackberry puree together.

Step 07

Cut out the centers and spoon in pineapple filling.

Step 08

Frost cupcakes, then add coconut shreds and fresh berries on top.

Notes

  1. Stays fresh up to 5 days at room temperature.
  2. You can prep the parts ahead of time.

Tools You'll Need

  • Blender or food chopper.
  • Electric mixer or stand mixer.
  • Cupcake tray.
  • Icing bag with a tip.

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • Contains dairy (butter).
  • Includes eggs.
  • Has wheat flour.

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: 587
  • Total Fat: 3 g
  • Total Carbohydrate: 141 g
  • Protein: 2 g